Visit architectural treasures from various centuries, on this walking tour, that show how the urban landscape of Bergen has evolved. Bergenhus, parts of which date to the mid-1200s, is one of Norway’s oldest and best-preserved stone fortresses. A former royal residence, it boasts a medieval banquet hall that King Haakon IV built. You will gain a broader historical understanding of Bergen during your free time in Bryggen, the city’s Hanseatic-era wharf. On the brink of destruction after a 1955 fire, it has been rebuilt so convincingly that UNESCO deemed it worthy of a World Heritage site designation. For a glimpse of Bergen in the 19th century, you will pause at the expansive square Festplassen and at the National Stage, where famed Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen was the stage director. The VilVite Science Center represents Bergen’s vision for the future. While browsing the surroundings, you will admire the modern architectural design, characterized by sleek lines and large glass panels, which not only allow natural light to illuminate the interior but also provide a contemporary aesthetic.